Royal BC Museum
Royal BC Museum
4.6
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Discover the Royal BC Museum and celebrate BC’s diversity through enlightening and inspiring galleries that capture the stories of the people, plants and animals that call the province home, and see fascinating exhibitions from around the world. Take a stroll around Old Town, New Approach, a recreation of a turn of the 20th-century town in BC. Visit Hunt House, a ceremonial house of the late Jonathan Hunt, a Kwakwaka’wakw Chief. Check out the award winning, Our Living Languages, an exhibit that shares the history and beauty of disrupted languages in BC. Finish the adventure with an immersive cinematic experience at IMAX® Victoria, BC’s largest screen. Enjoy other remarkable historical venues on our grounds, including Helmcken House, St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, the Netherlands Centennial Carillon and Thunderbird Park. Our precinct also hosts numerous food trucks and the 2% Jazz cafe. Feature exhibitions: Wildlife Photographer of the Year opens Feb 14. Canadian Modern on until Feb 16, 2025.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: James Bay
James Bay, Victoria's oldest residential neighborhood, is a charming region brimming with history and culture. The renowned Beacon Hill Park, with its lush greenery, serene ponds, and stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is a must-see for nature lovers. Historic sites like the Emily Carr House and the Helmcken House Museum paint a vivid picture of the city's past. Dining options range from quaint cafes to fine dining establishments, offering a variety of culinary experiences. Public transportation is readily available, with bus routes providing easy access to other parts of Victoria.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
7,209 reviews
Excellent
5,163
Very good
1,602
Average
339
Poor
58
Terrible
47
RobertMJThompson
Victoria, Canada849 contributions
Mar 2025 • Couples
Locals enjoy the benefits of an Annual Pass because this museum has rotating exhibits. Today we enjoyed the Wildlife Photographer of the Year display. Of course there is always the attached IMax theatre (currently running a film festival of favourite short documentaries). You can't visit Victoria without spending a few hours here.
Written March 9, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kalia Z
72 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
It is a great museum, covers natural history, the gold rush, indigenous history, and some colonial history. Definitely worth the money. A large age range of kids could enjoy. adults will enjoy! Something for everyone. There’s also an IMAX theatre in the museum that’s a must do.
Written July 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christiane m
4 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Amazing. Normally my mum doesn’t like museums, but this one definitely scratched her back. She was so glad she went. The
photography section was incredible, a must see. Great learning more about the First Nations.
5*. Amazing immersive museum.
photography section was incredible, a must see. Great learning more about the First Nations.
5*. Amazing immersive museum.
Written May 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benddragon
Selma, OR308 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Once again, a wonderful time at the museum. There was the Stonehenge exhibition there and it ws very interesting to learn about. The exhibits were laid out in a timed manner from the earliest to the latest, with great narration. Allow at least an hour to an hour and a half.
Written July 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WestCoastRestless
Central Oregon, OR274 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
We spent a long afternoon here in the exhibits and at the Imax. The exhibits were really interesting and even kept the kids (tweens) engaged. The IMAX was fantastic. We saw the one on the Arctic one in 3D and it was beautiful, but sad (talking about the impact of climate change). Definitely don't rush through and savor the exhibits.
Written January 6, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
Athens, GA696 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
A couple of hours is ample time to explore the museum. We did not go to the IMAX theater.
The Stonehenge exhibit was interesting, but knowing some of the back story is helpful.
The rest was done nicely. Depending on your depth of knowledge, there are definitely things to learn.
The Stonehenge exhibit was interesting, but knowing some of the back story is helpful.
The rest was done nicely. Depending on your depth of knowledge, there are definitely things to learn.
Written June 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobertMJThompson
Victoria, Canada849 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
The Terry Fox van is in the building. Make a quick trip to the foyer w/o going anywhere else. Have an emotional moment with a piece of true blue Canadian iconography. The restored van that was used to accompany Mr.F. and his team across this country. More artifacts to come I hope.
Written April 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
juniper y
Toronto, Canada33 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Wondering exhibitions, excellent Location, so much to see.
We loved the photograph exhibition on the wild n nature. Amazing works of art.
Good value for the tickets.
Perhaps due to the space limitations, I wish the layouts would be better for traffic flow. It seems we need to go out in the way in.
We loved the photograph exhibition on the wild n nature. Amazing works of art.
Good value for the tickets.
Perhaps due to the space limitations, I wish the layouts would be better for traffic flow. It seems we need to go out in the way in.
Written May 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca L
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Family
I visited the B.C. Museum in Victoria yesterday and was shocked at the state of the place. Very few open exhibits and multiple closures and yet it still sees fit to charge a $30 entrance fee and solicit for donations.
As an outsider (I’m visiting from Sydney, Australia) it was frankly appalling to see that the issues with resolving an appropriate First Nations representation in the museum are far from resolved.
According to one of the staffers I spoke to, discussions have been ongoing for more than two years. If this is the best B.C can do in its capital city then management needs to step it up. In the meantime, frankly not worth a visit.
As an outsider (I’m visiting from Sydney, Australia) it was frankly appalling to see that the issues with resolving an appropriate First Nations representation in the museum are far from resolved.
According to one of the staffers I spoke to, discussions have been ongoing for more than two years. If this is the best B.C can do in its capital city then management needs to step it up. In the meantime, frankly not worth a visit.
Written June 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sgold_seattle
Seattle, WA332 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
I had a few hours before getting my luggage at the hotel and walking to the Clipper, so I went to the museum. I thought it would be a multi-hour experience because it is expensive and well reviewed. There were very few exhibits and it was difficult to stay longer than an hour. Later, I learned from online reading that they are in a transition phase as they incorporate more indigenous history -- which is a good thing. They definitely have work to do in that area. There was an exhibit with a video about “Our Living Languages” – there were only 4 cubby-style seats for people to sit and watch. The video is only 5 minutes long but when it ends, there’s a 7 minute gap until it starts again. I saw many people show interest in learning about Indigenous languages, to then walk away because nothing was playing or if you missed the beginning, you couldn’t just stay and immediately see the next loop.
I am giving an extra star because of the IMAX. I saw the blue whale film on a different day because my whale watching trip included a free ticket. The IMAX is a four star experience but I don’t think that belongs underneath that museum reviews because the ticket costs are separate.
I am giving an extra star because of the IMAX. I saw the blue whale film on a different day because my whale watching trip included a free ticket. The IMAX is a four star experience but I don’t think that belongs underneath that museum reviews because the ticket costs are separate.
Written August 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're coming from the US and planning to be in BC for a few days. Is there much risk of not being able to walk up and get tickets on any given day?
We'd prefer to not buy tickets ahead, but we will if we need to.
Written December 18, 2024
No chance you will be turned away unless you show up at closing time!
Written January 10, 2025
sorry for slow response, please call the museum for ticketing info...rates have been advertised as 'reduced due to COVID'
Written August 15, 2020
Are you able to rent wheelchairs there like Bouchard Gardens?
Written June 12, 2019
Wheelchairs are available for use within the museum. Its first come first serve basis at the Coat Check area.
Written June 14, 2019
janerullo
Ladysmith, Canada
Is there elevator access to the archive level? Can disabled people get into the Archives and Sisters of St Ann's?
Written February 13, 2018
RBCM Archives - suggest you call direct re. access to Archives, 250-256-7226. St. Ann's Academy - there is disabled access available by arrangement during opening hours. St. Ann's Archives is not at the Academy... has its own web site - best to enquire re. access via that, 250- 953-8829. Good luck!
Written February 14, 2018
How long do you need to visit tinge museum?
Written September 23, 2017
A Tripadvisor member
A whole day ..Morning and then go off for lunch and return in the afternoon.
Your ticket allows you to return for free on the same day
Written October 3, 2017
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